Franek and his mate, Giga, had built their nest on the 48th floor of the palace in 2016 and, after raising many chicks, had become a symbol of the iconic building.
But on Friday wildlife conservationists announced that now only Giga remains in the nest.
Posting on social media, the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals Sokół said: “We have very, very sad news to share.
“Franek, the legendary falcon from the Palace of Culture and Science, is dead.
“The FF group found his remains today on one of the Palace roofs.
“If we find out anything more, we'll let you know.
“Right now, only sadness.”
Mamy bardzo, bardzo smutną wiadomość do przekazania 😞
Franek, legendarny sokół z PKiN nie żyje🖤
Grupa FF znalazła w dniu...
Opublikowany przez Stowarzyszenie Na Rzecz Dzikich Zwierząt Sokół Środa, 18 września 2024
The post added: “Franek's death is neither an illness nor old age, after initial examination it is clear that the bird has a broken neck.
“Such an injury could have occurred during an unsuccessful attack on the victim and hitting an obstacle at high speed or during a fight or escape from an attack.”
Devastated followers have been quick to respond with one writing: “Franek was known for being a devoted father to many chicks, even those that were left behind. I think he had a good long life, but even that, of course, has to end sometime.”
Another posted: “Goodbye Franio, you were a wonderful father, partner, and caregiver. You will remain in my memory — you and your family. As well as your entire group of fans. Thank you for these extraordinary experiences and emotions.”
Franek was born in captivity in 2008 and released into the wild near Warsaw. Since then, he became part of a falcon conservation project and was well-known for his nest on top of the Soviet-era skyscraper in the capital’s center.
The building, a prominent city landmark, has been home to falcon pairs for years. Franek and Giga succeeded an earlier falcon couple, Wars and Sawa, who lived there until 2015.
The falcon pair hatched their most recent chicks in 2023, four young falcons named Hetman, Prezes, Iwo, and Wuzetka. Enthusiasts have closely followed the falcons' activities, with live streams available 24/7 on the “peregrinus.pl” website.
The peregrine falcon became extinct in Poland in the 1960s, but thanks to breeders’ efforts, its population is slowly recovering.
Once forest dwellers, the birds now mainly nest on tall buildings.
